"Semiconductor Special Act" Passes National Assembly Plenary Session... Exemption from 52-Hour Workweek Omitted (Update)

The “Special Act on Strengthening Competitiveness and Support for the Semiconductor Industry” (Semiconductor Special Act), which stipulates practical support measures for the semiconductor industry, a national strategic sector, was passed at the National Assembly plenary session on January 29.

A plenary session is being held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News

The bill was approved with 199 votes in favor, 0 against, and 7 abstentions out of 206 members present.

The Semiconductor Special Act establishes a Presidential Committee for Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Semiconductor Industry and designates semiconductor clusters, stipulating that the national and local governments provide financial and administrative support. It also includes provisions for the government to create and support semiconductor infrastructure, expand power, water, and road networks, grant exemptions from preliminary feasibility studies, and provide support for permits and approvals, all aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry.

However, the issue of exempting research and development (R&D) personnel from the 52-hour workweek, which was a point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties, was not included due to opposition from the ruling party.

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